Friday, August 27, 2010

An all-new 298.9 cc model tops the list of new scooters available from Taiwanese manufacturer, KYMCO. The new Downtown 300i is well suited for commuters who will enjoy the powerful engine and dual disc brakes as well as the many amenities such as 2-helmet underseat storage, a watertight cell phone compartment with a 12v accessory outlet, and an optional top case.

The Like 200

Two new versions of established models are also debuting. The Like (previously only a 50cc) is now available in a 163cc 4-stroke version with dual disc brakes, and dual real shocks. Our review of the 50cc Like in the April issue said that we wanted to see a more powerful engine, so we're eager to check this one out. Finally, the company is also introducing a 2-stroke version of their popular sporty Super 8, which should be of interest to 50cc racers out there. Find out more at kymcousa.com.

WNYC interviews an employee who has taken up scootering in NYC. I have been to New York several times and had thought that it was probably a very dangerous place to ride. But after hopping on the back of some scooters while I was there, I realized that it can actually be a fun, effective way to get around.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Honda is hosting a contest to win a custom PCX by the band Paramore. Ends 10/31/10 so enter, now.

small print: Sweepstakes begins at 10:00 a.m. ET on 7/23/10 and ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on 10/31/10. Open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States and D.C. who are 18 or older and licensed to drive. Limit of one entry per person and per email/IP address. Void where prohibited. See the official rules.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

US regulatory agencies have expressed concerns over minor variances between production specifications and our first production run of the new Stella 4 stroke scooter.

We are returning the scooters to the factory to address the concerns.

These concerns are non-mechanical and have no effect on the emissions standards, the safety, or the operation of the Stella 4 stroke scooter.

We will provide more information regarding availability as we complete these tasks.

We know the delays encountered due to this issue have been a disappointment for the many dealers and consumers that were anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new Stella. It has been disappointing for Genuine as well. However, Genuine Scooters is always committed to following all laws, rules, and regulations to deliver the best scooters in the business. Thank you for your patience.

Santa Clara, CA—August 24, 2010— Scoot! Magazine, North America's leading publication for motorscooter enthusiasts, announced that it now offers an electronic subscription [e-Sub] option for customers who prefer to read the magazine online rather than in its standard printed form. As with the domestic print subscription, the e-Sub costs $24.95 for one year (6 issues).

The e-Sub offers several benefits:

Convenience: issues are available for subscriber viewing at the Scoot! website and can be accessed by any computer running the current version of Adobe Flash.

Speed: e-versions are processed at the same time of printing, usually granting e-Sub subscribers access 1-3 weeks earlier than retail customers or print subscribers.

Access: e-Sub subscribers will immediately have access to the six most recent issues. As a new issue appears, the oldest issue is removed. By the end of the subscription, e-Sub buyers will have had electronic access to 11 issues.

Enhancements: the e-version of the magazine can accommodate multimedia options such as sound, video and active web links.

Greener Option: Since the e-Sub is fulfilled entirely online, there is no paper to recycle, no old issues in landfill.

"The Scoot! Magazine e-Sub is a great option for our foreign subscribers who pay more for their print subscriptions and wait longer to receive them," says Managing Editor April Whitney. "Now they can pay the same price as a domestic subscription and get access to it faster."

Once payment is processed, the user will have access to the online subscription

For more information on Scoot! Magazine and its subscription options, contact Scoot! Magazine Headquarters: 408.294.4292 or info@scootmagazine.com.

About Scoot! Magazine

Founded in 1997, Scoot! Magazine is the leading publication for motorscooter enthusiasts in North America. Published six times a year, it provides news, reviews, technical articles and cultural dispatches for scooter fans. Find out more at www.scootmagazine.com.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

"While news of his killing has devastated Eric Preimesberger’s family, his relatives are remembering him as an adoring family man who loved to ride his yellow and black Ruckus motor scooter. He was a member of Reno’s Battle Born Scooter Crew."

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Some newly spotted scooter collectibles...
The only way that I could get my hands on this Tiffany Scooter Charm that starts at $175 alone and goes up to $1,075 if you get it with a necklace, would be to have Santa get it for me. =wishful thinking= Thanks to Norbert and Tammy for tipping me off to this.

Tammy also let me know about something much more affordable: Scooter Girl Long Sleeve Tee by Gymboree is on sale now for $15.49, down from $19.75.

Friday, August 13, 2010

This weekend is the San Francisco Classic rally in beautiful San Francisco. Josh has to miss it as he is teaching a Motorcycle Safety Foundation class. I'll be at the Saturday show selling Scoot! issues and swag. Stop by my table if you are there.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

If you have seen the most recent issue of Scoot!, you likely were impressed by the cool Deathproof Lambretta by Rudy Perez. He recently posted a slideshow on YouTube which shows its journey from pile of tired parts to award-winning bike. Check it, boyeee!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

I am testing these out for the next issue, but I think they are cool thus far. Why hasn't someone made these before? Well, now that they are out, I'm sure there will be plenty of copycats (hear that Chinese factories?). The company claims that this is "the only tie-down currently on the market with a full-length steel security cord and combination locks." Best of luck to them with their cool idea. Check out the demo on this bicycle.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

The 4,000-square-foot space, designed to emphasize the Vespa lifestyle, looks more like a fashion boutique than a vehicle dealership. Its exposed drywall ceiling and concrete flooring were chosen for their "industrial, urban feel," Miyakawa says. The three large photos of edgy models and bright Vespas lining one wall were taken by Miyakawa, who worked as a fashion photographer before opening the scooter store. At the front, large display windows allow the shiny Vespas within to catch the eyes of passersby, if there are any. Central Avenue runs through the heart of the industrial district and is mainly a route for car, not foot, traffic. But the location hasn't harmed business. Vespa Los Angeles has sold 106 scooters since opening day, earning it the rank of No. 2 in sales for the Southwest and No. 11 in the nation. It aims to sell 225 scooters a year. By comparison, the San Francisco Vespa store sells 480 scooters a year. There are 34 Vespa stores in California, a testament to the brand's burgeoning popularity.

Friday, August 06, 2010

Scooters seem to be the brunt of jokes: we're not cool, we ride wimpy bikes, etc... [Although you and I both know the truth: sexy, cool people ride scooters.] Be that as it may, every once in a while we find an example that does nothing to help our cause. Check out this story from The Stranger in Seattle.

Get it at Amazon

About Me

I like old stuff. Find me either on a scooter or at estate sales on the weekends. Glad to not have grown up yet. I like my backyard on a sunny day. Favorite things: the smell of 2-stroke smoke (really!), wind, lemonade, road trips, word games, clean sheets.